The federal government has organized a science assessment of the causes and consequences of hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Six reports were produced, peer-reviewed, and finalized in May, 1999. The six final reports were then released for public review and comment. As the reports were final, they were not changed as a result of comments received. New material will be added to the top of this page. 2004-2007 During the 2000-2004 time period the average annual flux of total nitrogen was 32% lower than during the 1980-1996 time period, and this reduction is statistically significant at the 95% confidence level - http://toxics.usgs.gov/hypoxia/ The size of the hypoxic zone has not been reduced as anticipated. (http://toxics.usgs.gov/hypoxia/hypoxic_zone.html) Marine modification of terrestrial influences on Gulf hypoxia: Part II (pdf, 1.6Mb) Supporting materials: Satellite Imagery of the Hypoxic Zone in the Northern Gulf of Mexico The following documents and links are in relation to the preparation by USEPA Region 4 in August 2004 of a draft report on hypoxia, the review comments by an external review panel, Chief Winstanley's comments on the report and on the reviewers' comments, Chief Winstanley's identification of the needed focus of a Gulf of Mexico hypoxia science reassessment, the plan for a science reassessment, and USEPA's SAB planned review of Gulf hypoxia. Review of USEPA Region 4 August 2004 Hypoxia Report USEPA: Recommendations for Monitoring... (pdf, 1.4Mb) USEPA Region 4 Gulf Hypoxia report January 2004 (pdf, 1.7Mb) Gulf Hypoxia: USEPA Region 4 Report (August 2004) - Reviewers Comments Hypoxia Action Plan Reassessment (pdf, 80k) USEPA Science Advisory Board Review of Gulf Hypoxia 2002 The land loss map animation in the link below actually shows the creation of a major new delta area off the coast of Louisiana. There, nutrient-rich sediments are injected into the middle of the summer hypoxic zone. September 10, 2002 The need for comprehensive and consistent treatment of the nitrogen cycle in nitrogen cycling and mass balance studies: I. Terrestrial nitrogen cycle June, 2002 2001 for the Lower Mississippi River," by J. E. Bollinger et al. December 3, 2001 2000 November 15, 2000
Response to UIUC/NRES Department Report Series 2000-03
Illinois response to draft Hypoxia Action Plan. September 8, 2000 A Contribution to the Characterization of Illinois Reference/Background Conditions for Setting Nitrogen Criteria for Surface Waters in Illinois June, 2000
June 28, 2000 1999 The federal government released a draft Integrated Assessment of Hypoxia in October 1999. Below is Governor Ryan's transmittal letter and the Illinois Review Comments.
July, 1999
Hypoxia assessment reports: a Midwest response.
Illinois Comments on the Draft Hypoxia Integrated Assessment Report October, 1999 Hypoxia In The Gulf Of Mexico: An Editorial
Illinois state scientists reviewed the six reports and prepared a coordinated set of review comments. Governor George H. Ryan
submitted the Illinois review comments to the federal government. Above are Governor Ryan's transmittal letter and the Illinois
review comments.
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